Steering Gear: Inspection

INSPECT TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY LH
1. Secure the tie rod end LH boll join in a vise through aluminum plates.
  NOTE: Do not overtighten the vise.
2. Install the castle nut to the stud bolt.
3. Flip the ball joint back and forth 5 times or more.
4. Set a torque wrench to the nut, turn the ball joint continuously at a rate of 3 to 5 seconds per turn, and check the turning torque on the 5th turn.
  Standard turning torque: 2.0 N*m (20.4 kgf*cm, 18 in. lbf) or less
  
  If turning torque is out of specification, replace the tie rod end LH with a new one.
INSPECT TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY RH
HINT:

Use the same procedures described for the LH side.
INSPECT TOTAL PRELOAD
1. Using SST, inspect the total preload.
  SST 09616-00011
  
  Standard total preload (turning): 0.6 to 1.2 N*m (6.2 to 12.2 kgf*cm, 5 to 11 in.*lbf)
  
  NOTE: Inspect around the steering rack center position.
  
  If the total preload is out of specification, replace the steering gear with a new one.
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Steering Gear Total Preload
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002